1
|
Chauhan P, Kumar A. Piezoelectric, Thermoelectric, and Photocatalytic Water Splitting Properties of Janus Arsenic Chalcohalide Monolayers. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:33723-33734. [PMID: 39130573 PMCID: PMC11308028 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we systematically investigate the piezoelectric, thermoelectric, and photocatalytic properties of novel two-dimensional Janus arsenic chalcohalide monolayers, AsXX' (X = S and Se and X' = Cl, Br, and I) using density functional theory. The positive phonon spectra and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation plots indicate these monolayers to be dynamically and thermally stable. The mechanical stability of these monolayers is confirmed by a nonzero elastic constant (C ij ), Young's modulus (Y 2D), and Poisson ratio (ν). These monolayers exhibit strong out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficients, making them candidate materials for piezoelectric devices. Our calculated results indicate that these monolayers have a low lattice thermal conductivity (κl) and high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) up to 1.51 at 800 K. These monolayers have an indirect bandgap, high carrier mobility, and strong visible light absorption spectra. Furthermore, the AsSCl, AsSBr, and AsSeI monolayers exhibit appropriate band alignment for water splitting. The calculated value of the corrected solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency can reach up to 19%. The nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations reveal the prolonged electron-hole recombination rates of 1.52 0.98, and 0.67 ns for AsSCl, AsSBr, and AsSeI monolayers, respectively. Our findings demonstrate these monolayers to be potential candidates in energy-harvesting fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Chauhan
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, VPO Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, VPO Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kumar V, Halba D, Upadhyay SN, Pakhira S. Electrocatalytic Performance of 2D Monolayer WSeTe Janus Transition Metal Dichalcogenide for Highly Efficient H 2 Evolution Reaction. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:14872-14887. [PMID: 38995219 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, the development of clean and green energy sources is the priority interest of research due to increasing global energy demand and extensive usage of fossil fuels, which create pollutants. Hydrogen has the highest energy density by weight among all chemical fuels. For the commercial-scale production of hydrogen, water electrolysis is the best method, which requires an efficient, cost-effective, and earth-abundant electrocatalyst. Recent studies have shown that the 2D Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (JTMDs) are promising materials for use as electrocatalysts and are highly effective for electrocatalytic H2 evolution reaction (HER). Here, we report a 2D monolayer WSeTe JTMD, which is highly effective toward HER. We have studied the electronic properties of 2D monolayer WSeTe JTMD using the periodic hybrid DFT-D method, and a direct electronic band gap of 2.39 eV was obtained. We have explored the HER pathways, mechanisms, and intermediates, including various transition state (TS) structures (Volmer TS, i.e., H*-migration TS, Heyrovsky TS, and Tafel TS) using a molecular cluster model of the subject JTMD noted as W10Se9Te12. The present calculations reveal that the 2D monolayer WSeTe JTMD is a potential electrocatalyst for HER. It has the lowest energy barriers for all the TSs among other TMDs. It has been shown that the Heyrovsky energy barrier (= 8.72 kcal mol-1) in the case of the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism is larger than the Tafel energy barrier (= 3.27 kcal mol-1) in the Volmer-Tafel mechanism. Hence, our present study suggests that the formation of H2 is energetically more favorable via the Volmer-Tafel mechanism. This study helps to shed light on the rational design of 2D single-layer JTMD, which is highly effective toward HER, and we expect that the present work can be further extended to other JTMDs to find out the improved electrocatalytic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kumar
- Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Computational Materials Science Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Dikeshwar Halba
- Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Computational Materials Science Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shrish Nath Upadhyay
- Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Computational Materials Science Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS), Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Srimanta Pakhira
- Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Computational Materials Science Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Computational Materials Science Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Electronics (CAE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao Y, Zhang Q, Hu W, Yang J. First-Principles Computational Screening of Two-Dimensional Polar Materials for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. ACS NANO 2024; 18:19381-19390. [PMID: 38995677 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The band gap constraint of the photocatalyst for overall water splitting limits the utilization of solar energy. A strategy to broaden the range of light absorption is employing a two-dimensional (2D) polar material as photocatalyst, benefiting from the deflection of the energy level due to their intrinsic internal electric field. Here, by using first-principles computational screening, we search for 2D polar semiconductors for photocatalytic water splitting from both ground- and excited-state perspectives. Applying a unique electronic structure model of polar materials, there are 13 photocatalyst candidates for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 8 candidates for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) without barrier energies from the perspective of the ground-state free energy variation calculation. In particular, Cu2As4Cl2S3 and Cu2As4Br2S3 can catalyze HER and OER simultaneously, becoming promising photocatalysts for overall water splitting. Furthermore, by combining ground-state band structure calculations with excited-state charge distribution and transfer calculated by linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (LR-TDDFT) and time-dependent ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD), respectively, the rationality of the 2D polar material model has been manifested. The intrinsic built-in electric field promotes the separation of charge carriers while suppressing their recombination. Therefore, our computational work provides a high-throughput method to design high-performance photocatalysts for water splitting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhi Gao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, and Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Sorkun MC, Brocks G, Er S. ML-Aided Computational Screening of 2D Materials for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. J Phys Chem Lett 2024:4983-4991. [PMID: 38691841 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of two-dimensional (2D) materials with exceptional physical and chemical properties is essential for the advancement of solar water splitting technologies. However, the discovery of 2D materials is currently heavily reliant on fragmented studies with limited opportunities for fine-tuning the chemical composition and electronic features of compounds. Starting from the V2DB digital library as a resource of 2D materials, we set up and execute a funnel approach that incorporates multiple screening steps to uncover potential candidates for photocatalytic water splitting. The initial screening step is based upon machine learning (ML) predicted properties, and subsequent steps involve first-principles modeling of increasing complexity, going from density functional theory (DFT) to hybrid-DFT to GW calculations. Ensuring that at each stage more complex calculations are only applied to the most promising candidates, our study introduces an effective screening methodology that may serve as a model for accelerating 2D materials discovery within a large chemical space. Our screening process yields a selection of 11 promising 2D photocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yatong Wang
- DIFFER - Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, De Zaale 20, Eindhoven 5612 AJ, The Netherlands
- Materials Simulation and Modeling, Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Murat Cihan Sorkun
- DIFFER - Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, De Zaale 20, Eindhoven 5612 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Brocks
- Materials Simulation and Modeling, Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Computational Chemical Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Süleyman Er
- DIFFER - Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, De Zaale 20, Eindhoven 5612 AJ, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu C, Sun S, Hou Q, Song Y, Wang H, Ji Y, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Xu Y. Overall Spontaneous Water Splitting for Calcium Bismuthate Ca(BiO 2) 2: Flexible-Electronic-Controlled Band Edge Position and Adsorption-Site-Modulated Bond Strength. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38291780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Eco-friendly photocatalysts for water splitting, highly efficient in oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions, hold great promise for the storage of inexhaustible solar energy and address environmental challenges. However, current common photocatalysts rarely exhibit both H2 and O2 production performances unless some regulatory measures, such as strain engineering, are implemented. Additionally, the extensive utilization of flexible electronics remains constrained by their high Young's modulus. Herein, on the basis of density functional theory calculations, we identify a novel spontaneous oxygen-producing two-dimensional Ca(BiO2)2 material, which can efficiently regulate the electronic structures of the surface active sites, optimize the reaction pathways, reduce the reaction energy barriers, and boost the overall water-splitting activity through biaxial strain modulation. In detail, an unstrained Ca(BiO2)2 monolayer not only possesses a suitable band gap value (2.02 eV) to fulfill the photocatalytic water-splitting band edge relationships but also holds favorable transport properties, excellent optical absorption across the visible light spectrum, and spontaneous oxygen production under neutral conditions. More excitingly, under application of a 7% biaxial tensile strain modulation with an ideal biaxial strength of 32.35 GPa nm, the Ca(BiO2)2 monolayer not only maintains its structural integrity but also exhibits a completely spontaneous reaction for photocatalytic hydrogen precipitation with superior optical absorption. This can primarily be attributed to the substantial reduction of the potential barrier through strain engineering as well as the weakening of bond energy resulting from changes of the adsorption site as calculated by crystal orbital Hamiltonian population analysis. This flexible stretchable electronic modulated the photocatalyst behavior and bond energy of O-Bi and O-Ca interactions, offering outstanding potential for photocatalytic water spontaneous oxygen and hydrogen evolution among all of the reported metal oxides, and is more likely to become a promising candidate for future flexible electronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Songsong Sun
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingmeng Hou
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaning Song
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjing Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanju Ji
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingbo Zhao
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Information Science of Electromagnetic Waves (MOE), Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (MOE), and Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
- Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Chengbei Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfeng Xu
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ju L, Ma Y, Tan X, Kou L. Controllable Electrocatalytic to Photocatalytic Conversion in Ferroelectric Heterostructures. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:26393-26402. [PMID: 38010364 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reactions to produce value-added chemicals offer promising solutions for addressing the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Photocatalysis is driven by light excitation and charge separation and relies on semiconducting catalysts, while electrocatalysis is driven by external electric current and is mostly based on metallic catalysts with high electrical conductivity. Due to the distinct reaction mechanism, the conversion between the two catalytic types has remained largely unexplored. Herein, by means of density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we demonstrated that the ferroelectric heterostructures Mo-BN@In2Se3 and WSe2@In2Se3 can exhibit semiconducting or metallic features depending on the polarization direction as a result of the built-in field and electron transfer. Using the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as examples, the metallic heterostructures act as excellent electrocatalysts for these reactions, while the semiconducting heterostructures serve as the corresponding photocatalysts with improved optical absorption, enhanced charge separation, and low Gibbs free energy change. The findings not only bridge physical phenomena of the electronic phase transition with chemical reactions but also offer a new and feasible approach to significantly improve the catalytic efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ju
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yandong Ma
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Institute for Carbon Neutralization, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangzhi Kou
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Asikainen K, Alatalo M, Huttula M, Sasikala Devi AA. Tuning the Electronic Properties of Two-Dimensional Lepidocrocite Titanium Dioxide-Based Heterojunctions. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:45056-45064. [PMID: 38046343 PMCID: PMC10688046 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures reveal novel physicochemical phenomena at different length scales that are highly desirable for technological applications. We present a comprehensive density functional theory study of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures constructed by stacking 2D TiO2 and 2D MoSSe monolayers to form the TiO2-MoSSe heterojunction. The heterostructure formation is found to be exothermic, indicating stability. We find that by varying the atomic species at the interfaces, the electronic structure can be considerably altered due to the differences in charge transfer arising from the inherent electronegativity of the atoms. We demonstrate that the heterostructures possess a type II or type III band alignment, depending on the atomic termination of MoSSe at the interface. The observed charge transfer occurs from MoSSe to TiO2. Our results suggest that the Janus interface enables the tuning of electronic properties, providing an understanding of the possible applications of the TiO2-MoSSe heterostructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kati Asikainen
- Nano and Molecular Systems
Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Matti Alatalo
- Nano and Molecular Systems
Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Marko Huttula
- Nano and Molecular Systems
Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hong M, Dai L, Hu H, Zhang X, Li C, He Y. Pressure-Driven Structural and Electronic Transitions in a Two-Dimensional Janus WSSe Crystal. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:16782-16793. [PMID: 37775280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we presented the first report on the high-pressure structural stability and electrical transport characteristics in WSSe under different hydrostatic environments through Raman spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with first-principles theoretical calculations. For nonhydrostatic conditions, WSSe endured a phase transition at 15.2 GPa, followed by a semiconductor-to-metal crossover at 25.3 GPa. Furthermore, the bandgap closure was accounted for the metallization of WSSe as derived from theoretical calculations. Under hydrostatic conditions, ∼ 2.0 GPa pressure hysteresis was detected for the emergence of phase transition and metallization in WSSe because of the feeble deviatoric stress. Upon depressurization, the reversibility of the phase transition was substantiated by those of microscopic HRTEM observations under different hydrostatic environments. Our high-pressure investigation on WSSe advances the insightful understanding of the crystalline structure and electronic properties for the Janus transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) family and boosts prospective developments in functional devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Hong
- Key Laboratory of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou 550081, China
| | - Lidong Dai
- Key Laboratory of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou 550081, China
| | - Haiying Hu
- Key Laboratory of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou 550081, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chuang Li
- Key Laboratory of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu He
- Key Laboratory of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Study of the Earth's Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu D, Fang C, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Cui X, Shi C, Xu J, Yang M. Kagome-like BiP 3 Monolayer: An Emerging Quasi-Direct Auxetic Semiconductor Coupled with High Anisotropic Mobility toward Visible-Light-Driven Photoelectrocatalytic pH-Robust Overall Water-Splitting. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:12890-12909. [PMID: 37650549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) Janus materials exhibit an outstanding potential that can meet the rigorous requirements of photocatalytic water splitting resulting from their unique atomic arrangement. However, these materials are quite scarce. Through ab initio density functional theory calculations, we introduce a kagome topology into the honeycomb lattice of blue phosphorene using phosphorus and bismuth atoms to build a hybrid honeycomb-like kagome lattice, realized by a hitherto unknown kagome-like Janus-like BiP3 monolayer with robust stability. Excitingly, the out-of-plane asymmetry benefiting from kagome and honeycomb topologies gives rise to a significantly negative out-of-plane Poisson's ratio and an obvious built-in electric field pointing from the sublayer of the P atom to the sublayer of the Bi atom. In conjunction with the investigations that encompass semiconducting properties, such as a quasi-direct gap, suitable band-edge positions, effective visible-light absorption, and high carrier mobility, the BiP3 monolayer achieves overall water splitting at pH 0-14 regardless of strain. Moreover, this intrinsic electric field provides a sufficient photogenerated carrier driving force for water splitting. The bare BiP3 comprises P and Bi atoms that function as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) active sites, respectively. Upon exposure to light, the reaction of water into H2 and O2 can be observed across a pH range of 0-14. Meanwhile, by designing a transition-metal single-atom catalyst (TM@BiP3), our investigations have shown that embedding a single TM on BiP3 is a feasible route to improving the HER/OER activity by reducing the overpotentials to -0.039 and 0.58 eV for Mo and Os atoms, respectively. In this case, the positive value of the external potential acts as a sufficient OER driving force, i.e., in the light environment, the Os@BiP3 system can promote water molecules spontaneously oxidized into O2 at pH 0-14.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyao Fang
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Xihang Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomeng Cui
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Shi
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingcheng Xu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyu Yang
- Department of Physics, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li X, Zhang F, Li J, Wang Z, Huang Z, Yu J, Zheng K, Chen X. Pentagonal C mX nY 6-m-n ( m = 2, 3; n = 1, 2; X, Y = B, N, Al, Si, P) Monolayers: Janus Ternaries Combine Omnidirectional Negative Poisson Ratios with Giant Piezoelectric Effects. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:2692-2701. [PMID: 36892273 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials composed of pentagon and Janus motifs usually exhibit unique mechanical and electronic properties. In this work, a class of ternary carbon-based 2D materials, CmXnY6-m-n (m = 2, 3; n = 1, 2; X, Y = B, N, Al, Si, P), are systematically studied by first-principles calculations. Six of 21 Janus penta-CmXnY6-m-n monolayers are dynamically and thermally stable. The Janus penta-C2B2Al2 and Janus penta-Si2C2N2 exhibit auxeticity. More strikingly, Janus penta-Si2C2N2 exhibits an omnidirectional negative Poisson ratio (NPR) with values ranging from -0.13 to -0.15; in other words, it is auxetic under stretch in any direction. The calculations of piezoelectricity reveal that the out-of-plane piezoelectric strain coefficient (d32) of Janus panta-C2B2Al2 is up to 0.63 pm/V and increases to 1 pm/V after a strain engineering. These omnidirectional NPR, giant piezoelectric coefficients endow the Janus pentagonal ternary carbon-based monolayers as potential candidates in the future nanoelectronics, especially in the electromechanical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Li
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering and Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems Education Ministry of China, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| | - Fusheng Zhang
- School of Electrical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment & System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Electrical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment & System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| | - Zeping Wang
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering and Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems Education Ministry of China, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengyong Huang
- School of Electrical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment & System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| | - Jiabing Yu
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering and Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems Education Ministry of China, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering and Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems Education Ministry of China, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Xianping Chen
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering and Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems Education Ministry of China, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ge X, Zhou X, Sun D, Chen X. First-Principles Study of Structural and Electronic Properties of Monolayer PtX 2 and Janus PtXY (X, Y = S, Se, and Te) via Strain Engineering. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:5715-5721. [PMID: 36816647 PMCID: PMC9933214 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the structural parameters and electronic properties of PtX2 and Janus PtXY (X, Y = S, Se, and Te) are studied based on the density functional theory. The phonon spectra and the Born criteria of the elastic constant of these six monolayers confirm their stability. All PtX2 and Janus PtXY monolayers show an outstanding stretchability with Young's modulus ranging from 61.023 to 82.124 N/m, about one-fifth that of graphene and half that of MoS2, suggesting highly flexible materials. Our first-principles calculations reveal that the pristine PtX2 and their Janus counterparts are indirect semiconductors with their band gap ranging from 0.760 to 1.810 eV at the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof level (1.128-2.580 eV at the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof level). By applying biaxial compressive and tensile strain, the electronic properties of all PtX2 and Janus PtXY monolayers are widely tunable. Under small compressive strain, PtX2 and Janus PtXY structures remain indirect semiconductors. PtTe2, PtSeTe, and PtSTe monolayers undergo a semiconducting to metallic transition when the strain reaches -6, -8, and -10%, respectively. Interestingly, there is a transition from the indirect semiconductor to a quasi-direct one for all PtX2 and Janus PtXY monolayers when the tensile strain is applied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Ge
- Engineering
Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument (MOE),
School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai200241, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics, Shanghai Institute of Technical
Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200083, China
| | - Xiaohao Zhou
- State
Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics, Shanghai Institute of Technical
Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200083, China
| | - Deyan Sun
- Engineering
Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument (MOE),
School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics, Shanghai Institute of Technical
Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200083, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tu J, Lei X, Li P. Strain-induced ultrahigh power conversion efficiency in BP-MoSe 2vdW heterostructure. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 34:085403. [PMID: 36541493 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aca548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising method for hydrogen production, and the search for efficient photocatalysts has received extensive attention. Two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have recently been considered excellent candidates for photocatalytic water splitting. In this work, a BP-MoSe2vdW heterostructure composed of a blue phosphorus (BP) and MoSe2monolayer was studied as a potential photocatalyst for water splitting using first-principles calculations. The results show that the heterostructure has a type-II band structure, and the band edges straddle water redox potentials under biaxial strains from -3% to 2%, satisfying the requirements for photocatalytic water splitting. In addition, the heterostructure has excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) and strong optical absorption in both visible light and near-ultraviolet region, indicating that it is a very promising candidate for photocatalytic water splitting. Specifically, the PCE was enhanced to ∼20.2% under a tensile strain of 2%. The Gibbs free energy profiles indicate that BP-MoSe2vdW heterostructure exhibits good catalytic performance in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. In particular, high carrier mobility implies that the transfer of carriers to reactive sites is easy, and the recombination probability of photogenerated electron-hole pairs is reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Tu
- Department of Physics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Lei
- Department of Physics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tu J, Wu W, Lei X, Li P. The SWSe-BP vdW Heterostructure as a Promising Photocatalyst for Water Splitting with Power Conversion Efficiency of 19.4. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:37061-37069. [PMID: 36312328 PMCID: PMC9609072 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen generation by photocatalytic water splitting has drawn enormous research attention for converting sunlight and water into clean and green hydrogen fuel. However, the search for a high efficiency photocatalyst for water splitting is a key challenge. Two dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures as photocatalysts exhibit many advantages over the stacked original materials. In this article, we designed two novel 2D vdW heterostructures composed of WSSe and blue phosphorene (BP) monolayers, SWSe-BP and SeWS-BP, which are thermodynamically stable at room temperature. Using first-principles calculations, we found that the SWSe-BP vdW heterostructure can act as a potential photocatalyst for water splitting due to its robust stabilities, type-II band alignment, moderate bandgap, and suitable band edge positions for the redox reactions of water splitting, strong optical absorption, and excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE). Remarkably, the PCE of the SWSe-BP vdW heterostructure can achieve approximately 19.4% under a 3% biaxial tensile strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Tu
- Department
of Physics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi330022, China
| | - Wenjun Wu
- Department
of Physics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi330022, China
| | - Xueling Lei
- Department
of Physics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi330022, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Key
Laboratory of Materials Physics and Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials
and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei230031, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang J, Tang X, Chen M, Ma D, Ju L. Tunable Photocatalytic Water Splitting Performance of Armchair MoSSe Nanotubes Realized by Polarization Engineering. Inorg Chem 2022; 61:17353-17361. [PMID: 36257300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c03075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The photocatalytic properties of Janus transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanotubes are closely correlated with the electrostatic potential difference between their inner and outer surfaces (ΔΦ). However, due to some distraction from the tubular structures, it remains a great challenge to calculate their ΔΦ directly. Here, we creatively work out the ΔΦ of Janus MoSSe armchair single-walled nanotubes (A-SWNTs) with their corresponding building block models by first-principles calculations. The ΔΦ increases as the diameter reduces. After considering ΔΦ, we find that all of these MoSSe A-SWNTs possess suitable band-edge positions required for water redox reactions and high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiencies. The built-in field induced by the ΔΦ promotes the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to proceed separately on the inner and outer surfaces. Especially, the photoexcited carriers exhibit adequate driving forces for OER and HER. Besides, constructing a double-walled nanotube can dramatically increase ΔΦ, which also further improves the separation and redox capacity of photoexcited carriers as well as the STH conversion efficiency. Moreover, all of these MoSSe armchair nanotubes have outstanding optical absorption in the visible light range. Our studies provide an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic water-splitting performance of Janus TMD nanotubes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang455000, China
| | - Xiao Tang
- College of Science, Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing210037, China
| | - Mingyan Chen
- Hongzhiwei Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., 1599 Xinjinqiao Road, Pudong, Shanghai201206, China
| | - Dongwei Ma
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng475004, China
| | - Lin Ju
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang455000, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao S, Tang X, Li J, Zhang J, Yuan D, Ma D, Ju L. Improving the Energetic Stability and Electrocatalytic Performance of Au/WSSe Single-Atom Catalyst with Tensile Strain. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2793. [PMID: 36014659 PMCID: PMC9414615 DOI: 10.3390/nano12162793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the areas of catalysis and renewable energy conversion, the development of active and stable electrocatalysts continues to be a highly desirable and crucial aim. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) provide isolated active sites, high selectivity, and ease of separation from reaction systems, becoming a rapidly evolving research field. Unfortunately, the real roles and key factors of the supports that govern the catalytic properties of SACs remain uncertain. Herein, by means of the density functional theory calculations, in the Au/WSSe SAC, built by filling the single Au atom at the S vacancy site in WSSe monolayer, we find that the powerful binding between the single Au atom and the support is induced by the Au d and W d orbital hybridization, which is caused by the electron transfer between them. The extra tensile strain could further stabilize the Au/WSSe by raising the transfer electron and enhancing the orbital hybridization. Moreover, by dint of regulating the antibonding strength between the single Au atom and H atom, the extra tensile strain is capable of changing the electric-catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of Au/WSSe as well. Remarkably, under the 1% tensile strain, the reaction barrier (0.06 eV) is only one third of that of free state. This theoretical work not only reveals the bonding between atomic sites and supports, but also opens an avenue to improve the electric-catalytic performance of SACs by adjusting the bonding with outer factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shutao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Informatics of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Physics and Electronic Science, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang 236037, China
| | - Xiao Tang
- College of Science, Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jingli Li
- School of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Di Yuan
- School of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Dongwei Ma
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Lin Ju
- School of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lu J, Qu F, Zeng H, Cavalheiro Dias A, Bradão DS, Ren J. Intrinsic Valley Splitting and Direct-to-Indirect Band Gap Transition in Monolayer HfZrSiCO 2. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:5204-5212. [PMID: 35666623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Both a reasonably large valley splitting (VS) and a sufficiently long valley exciton lifetime are crucial in valleytronics device applications. Currently, no single system possesses both attributes simultaneously. Herein, we demonstrate that a Janus monolayer HfZrSiCO2 concurrently hosts a giant intrinsic VS and excitonic quasi-particles with long valley lifetime due to valley-sublayer coupling and built-in electric field. In addition, the band structure of the monolayer HfZrSiCO2 can be continuously manipulated by either an external electric field or a biaxial strain, giving rise to a tunable VS and driving a direct-to-indirect band gap transition. Moreover, the system exhibits valley-contrasting linear dichroism in exciton absorption. These results suggest that the Janus monolayer HfZrSiCO2 is a promising candidate for information applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Lu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Fanyao Qu
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70919-970, Brazil
- International Center for Condensed Matter Physics, University of Brasília, 04513 Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Alexandre Cavalheiro Dias
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70919-970, Brazil
- International Center for Condensed Matter Physics, University of Brasília, 04513 Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - David S Bradão
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70919-970, Brazil
| | - Junfeng Ren
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ren K, Shu H, Huo W, Cui Z, Xu Y. Tuning electronic, magnetic and catalytic behaviors of biphenylene network by atomic doping. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:345701. [PMID: 35561655 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac6f64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a new two-dimensional allotrope of carbon named biphenylene has been experimentally synthesized. First-principles calculations are preformed to investigate the electronic properties of biphenylene and the doping effect is also considered to tune its electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties. The metallic nature with an n-type Dirac cone is observed in the biphenylene. The magnetism can be induced by Fe, Cl, Cr, and Mn doping. More importantly, the doping position dependence of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of biphenylene is addressed, which can be significantly improved by atomic doping. In particular, the barrier for HER of Fe doping case is only -0.03 eV, denoting its great potential in HER catalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ren
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Huabing Shu
- School of Science, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyi Huo
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Cui
- School of Automation and Information Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujing Xu
- Independent Researcher, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kubra K, Islam MR, Hasan Khan MS, Islam MS, Hasan MT. Study of Two-Dimensional Janus WXY (X≠Y= S, Se, and Te) Trilayer Homostructures for Photovoltaic Applications Using DFT Screening of Different Stacking Patterns. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:12947-12955. [PMID: 35474833 PMCID: PMC9026136 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Based on the first-principles density functional theory, Janus WXY (X ≠ Y = S, Se, and Te) trilayer homostructures for different stacking patterns are studied in this work to analyze their appropriateness in fabricating photovoltaic (PV) devices. A total of fifteen trilayer homostructures are proposed, corresponding to the suitable five stacking patterns, such as AAA, AA'A, ABA, AB'A, and A'BA' for each Janus WXY (X ≠ Y = S, Se, and Te) material. Structural and energetic parameters for all the fifteen structures are evaluated and compared to find energetically stable structures, and dynamic stability is confirmed by phonon dispersion curves. All these configurations being homostructure, lattice mismatch is found to be very low (∼0.05%), unlike heterostructure, making them feasible for optoelectronics and PV applications. WSSe AAA, WSSe AA'A, and WSeTe AA'A are dynamically stable along with negative binding energy and show type-II band alignment, enabling effective spatial carrier separation of photogenerated carriers. The optical properties of dynamically stable WSSe AAA and WSSe AA'A structures are also calculated, and the absorption coefficients at the visible light region are found to be ∼3.5 × 105 cm-1, which is comparable to the perovskite material absorption coefficient. Moreover, we have compared the optical characteristics of dynamically stable WSSe AAA and WSSe AA'A structures with their monolayer structures to realize the significance of stacking trilayer structures. Electrical properties such as mobility and conductivity for dynamically stable WSSe AAA and WSSe AA'A structures are evaluated to suggest them as a probable efficient material in PV technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadijatul Kubra
- Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Rafiqul Islam
- Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sakib Hasan Khan
- Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Shaffatul Islam
- Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, World University of Bangladesh (WUB), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Tanvir Hasan
- Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jakhar M, Kumar A, Ahluwalia PK, Tankeshwar K, Pandey R. Engineering 2D Materials for Photocatalytic Water-Splitting from a Theoretical Perspective. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:2221. [PMID: 35329672 PMCID: PMC8954018 DOI: 10.3390/ma15062221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Splitting of water with the help of photocatalysts has gained a strong interest in the scientific community for producing clean energy, thus requiring novel semiconductor materials to achieve high-yield hydrogen production. The emergence of 2D nanoscale materials with remarkable electronic and optical properties has received much attention in this field. Owing to the recent developments in high-end computation and advanced electronic structure theories, first principles studies offer powerful tools to screen photocatalytic systems reliably and efficiently. This review is organized to highlight the essential properties of 2D photocatalysts and the recent advances in the theoretical engineering of 2D materials for the improvement in photocatalytic overall water-splitting. The advancement in the strategies including (i) single-atom catalysts, (ii) defect engineering, (iii) strain engineering, (iv) Janus structures, (v) type-II heterostructures (vi) Z-scheme heterostructures (vii) multilayer configurations (viii) edge-modification in nanoribbons and (ix) the effect of pH in overall water-splitting are summarized to improve the existing problems for a photocatalytic catalytic reaction such as overcoming large overpotential to trigger the water-splitting reactions without using cocatalysts. This review could serve as a bridge between theoretical and experimental research on next-generation 2D photocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Jakhar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India;
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India;
| | | | - Kumar Tankeshwar
- Department of Physics and Astrophysics, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India;
| | - Ravindra Pandey
- Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Luo D, Yin K, Dronskowski R. Existence of BeCN 2 and Its First-Principles Phase Diagram: Be and C Introducing Structural Diversity. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5155-5162. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongbao Luo
- Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Liuxian Blvd, Nanshan District, 518055 Shenzhen, China
| | - Ketao Yin
- School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Linyi University, 276005 Linyi, China
| | - Richard Dronskowski
- Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Liuxian Blvd, Nanshan District, 518055 Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Singh J, Jakhar M, Kumar A. Stability, optoelectronic and thermal properties of two-dimensional Janus α-Te 2S. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:215405. [PMID: 35158350 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac54e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Motivated by recent progress in the two-dimensional (2D) materials of group VI elements and their experimental fabrication, we have investigated the stability, optoelectronic and thermal properties of Janusα-Te2S monolayer using first-principles calculations. The phonon dispersion and MD simulations confirm its dynamical and thermal stability. The moderate band gap (∼1.5 eV), ultrahigh carrier mobility (∼103cm2V-1s-1), small exciton binding energy (0.26 eV), broad optical absorption range and charge carrier separation ability due to potential difference (ΔV = 1.07 eV) on two surfaces of Janusα-Te2S monolayer makes it a promising candidate for solar energy conversion. We propose various type-II heterostructures consisting of Janusα-Te2S and other transition metal dichalcogenides for solar cell applications. The calculated power conversion efficiencies of the proposed heterostructures, i.e.α-Te2S/T-PdS2,α-Te2S/BP andα-Te2S/H-MoS2are ∼21%, ∼19% and 18%, respectively. Also, the ultralow value of lattice thermal conductivity (1.16 W m-1K-1) of Janusα-Te2S makes it a promising material for the fabrication of next-generation thermal energy conversion devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Singh
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, VPO Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Mukesh Jakhar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, VPO Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, VPO Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhou Y, Zhou L, He J. 2D Nb 3SBr 7 and Ta 3SBr 7: Experimentally Achievable Janus Photocatalysts with Robust Coexistence of Strong Optical Absorption, Intrinsic Charge Separation, and Ultrahigh Solar-to-Hydrogen Efficiency. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:1643-1651. [PMID: 34939780 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c17721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, two-dimensional (2D) Janus semiconductors have attracted great attention in photocatalytic applications owing to their extraordinary properties, especially the intrinsic polarization-induced spontaneous carrier separation, strong optical absorption, and ultrahigh solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. However, experimental achievable candidates for 2D intrinsic Janus semiconductors are rarely reported. Herein, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we uncovered two new 2D photocatalysts, namely, Janus Nb3SBr7 and Ta3SBr7 bilayers. We revealed that both structures are highly feasible to be obtained from their bulk counterparts. Excitingly, intrinsic charge separations emerge in both structures, which are beneficial to the repression of recombinations of their photoexcited carriers. Optical absorptions of both structures can be activated in the visible and even infrared regions. Most interestingly, Nb3SBr7 and Ta3SBr7 bilayers can exhibit ultrahigh STH efficiencies of 35% and 31%, respectively, which are larger than those of most 2D Janus structures. In addition, we further found that these distinguished photocatalytic properties are rather robust and are independent of their stacking modes. Experimental feasibilities and robust coexistences of intrinsic charge separations, ultrahigh STH efficiencies, and strong absorptions endow Nb3SBr7 and Ta3SBr7 bilayers as hopeful photocatalysts for water splitting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yungang Zhou
- School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Liujiang Zhou
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou 313001, China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Junjie He
- Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Bremen, Am Fallturm 1, Bremen 28359, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nayak D, Thangavel R. A density functional theory study on the strain modulated electronic and photocatalytic properties of a GaSe monolayer for photocatalytic water splitting and artificial photosynthesis. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj00956k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The strain modulated electronic and photocatalytic properties of GaSe monolayer for photocatalytic water splitting and artificial photosynthesis using DFT study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dipali Nayak
- Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad-826004, Jharkhand, India
| | - R. Thangavel
- Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad-826004, Jharkhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Luo Y, Han S, Hu R, Yuan H, Jiao W, Liu H. The Thermal Stability of Janus Monolayers SnXY (X, Y = O, S, Se): Ab-Initio Molecular Dynamics and Beyond. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:101. [PMID: 35010049 PMCID: PMC8746883 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the Janus monolayers have attracted tremendous attention due to their unique asymmetric structures and intriguing physical properties. However, the thermal stability of such two-dimensional systems is less known. Using the Janus monolayers SnXY (X, Y = O, S, Se) as a prototypical class of examples, we investigate their structure evolutions by performing ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations at a series of temperatures. It is found that the system with higher thermal stability exhibits a smaller difference in the bond length of Sn-X and Sn-Y, which is consistent with the orders obtained by comparing their electron localization functions (ELFs) and atomic displacement parameters (ADPs). In principle, the different thermal stability of these Janus structures is governed by their distinct anharmonicity. On top of these results, we propose a simple rule to quickly predict the maximum temperature up to which the Janus monolayer can stably exist, where the only input is the ADP calculated by the second-order interatomic force constants rather than time-consuming AIMD simulations at various temperatures. Furthermore, our rule can be generalized to predict the thermal stability of other Janus monolayers and similar structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Huijun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education and School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (Y.L.); (S.H.); (R.H.); (H.Y.); (W.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lou H, Qiu K, Yang G. Janus Mo 2P 3 Monolayer as an Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:57422-57429. [PMID: 34841848 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c18759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of low-cost electrocatalysts with the desired performance is the core of the large-scale hydrogen production from water. Two-dimensional materials with high specific surface area and excellent electron properties are ideal candidates for electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, we identify a hitherto unknown Mo2P3 monolayer with a Janus structure (i.e., out-of-plane asymmetry) through first-principle structure search calculations. Its inherent metallicity ensures good electrical conductivity. Notably, its catalytic activity is comparable to that of Pt and the density of active sites is up to 2.65 × 1015 site/cm2 owing to the Mo → P charge transfer enhancing the catalytic activity of P atoms and asymmetric structure exposing more active sites to the surface. The Mo2P3 monolayer can spontaneously produce hydrogen through the Volmer-Heyrovsky pathway. These excellent performances can be well maintained under strain. The coexistence of covalent and ionic bonds results in Mo2P3 having high stability. All these excellent properties make the Mo2P3 monolayer a promising candidate for electrocatalytic water splitting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Lou
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Kaiwen Qiu
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Guochun Yang
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jamdagni P, Pandey R, Tankeshwar K. First principles study of Janus WSeTe monolayer and its application in photocatalytic water splitting. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 33:025703. [PMID: 34614482 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac2d46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
By employing the state-of-the-art density functional theory method, we demonstrate that Janus WSeTe monolayer exhibits promising photocatalytic properties for solar water splitting. The results show that the monolayer possesses thermodynamic stability, suitable bandgap (∼1.89 eV), low excitons binding energy (∼0.19 eV) together with high hole mobility (∼103cm2V-1s-1). Notably, the results suggest that the oxygen evolution reaction can undergo spontaneously without any sacrificial reagents. In contrast, the overpotential of hydrogen evolution reaction can partially be overcome by the external potential under solar light irradiation. Furthermore, the intrinsic electric field induced by the symmetry breaking along the perpendicular direction of Janus WSeTe monolayer not only suppresses the electron-hole recombination but also contributes to the solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, which is calculated to be ∼19%. These characteristics make the Janus WSeTe monolayer to be a promising candidate for solar water splitting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Jamdagni
- Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, India
- Department of Physics, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India
| | - Ravindra Pandey
- Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, United States of America
| | - K Tankeshwar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Luo Y, Ren C, Xu Y, Yu J, Wang S, Sun M. A first principles investigation on the structural, mechanical, electronic, and catalytic properties of biphenylene. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19008. [PMID: 34561479 PMCID: PMC8463688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a new two-dimensional allotrope of carbon (biphenylene) was experimentally synthesized. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated the structural, mechanical, electronic, and HER properties of biphenylene. A large cohesive energy, absence of imaginary phonon frequencies, and an ultrahigh melting point up to 4500 K demonstrate its high stability. Biphenylene exhibits a maximum Young's modulus of 259.7 N/m, manifesting its robust mechanical performance. Furthermore, biphenylene was found to be metallic with a n-type Dirac cone, and it exhibited improved HER performance over that of graphene. Our findings suggest that biphenylene is a promising material with potential applications in many important fields, such as chemical catalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chongdan Ren
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi, 563002, Guizhou, China
| | - Yujing Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Sake Wang
- College of Science, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Minglei Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ju L, Tan X, Mao X, Gu Y, Smith S, Du A, Chen Z, Chen C, Kou L. Controllable CO 2 electrocatalytic reduction via ferroelectric switching on single atom anchored In 2Se 3 monolayer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5128. [PMID: 34446718 PMCID: PMC8390745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient and selective CO2 electroreduction into chemical fuels promises to alleviate environmental pollution and energy crisis, but it relies on catalysts with controllable product selectivity and reaction path. Here, by means of first-principles calculations, we identify six ferroelectric catalysts comprising transition-metal atoms anchored on In2Se3 monolayer, whose catalytic performance can be controlled by ferroelectric switching based on adjusted d-band center and occupation of supported metal atoms. The polarization dependent activation allows effective control of the limiting potential of CO2 reduction on TM@In2Se3 (TM = Ni, Pd, Rh, Nb, and Re) as well as the reaction paths and final products on Nb@In2Se3 and Re@In2Se3. Interestingly, the ferroelectric switching can even reactivate the stuck catalytic CO2 reduction on Zr@In2Se3. The fairly low limiting potential and the unique ferroelectric controllable CO2 catalytic performance on atomically dispersed transition-metals on In2Se3 clearly distinguish them from traditional single atom catalysts, and open an avenue toward improving catalytic activity and selectivity for efficient and controllable electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ju
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Integrated Materials Design Laboratory, Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
| | - Xin Mao
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yuantong Gu
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Center for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sean Smith
- Integrated Materials Design Laboratory, Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
| | - Aijun Du
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Center for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zhongfang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Changfeng Chen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Liangzhi Kou
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. .,Center for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang P, Liu H, Zong Y, Wen H, Xia JB, Wu HB. Two-Dimensional In 2X 2X' (X and X' = S, Se, and Te) Monolayers with an Intrinsic Electric Field for High-Performance Photocatalytic and Piezoelectric Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:34178-34187. [PMID: 34258989 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c07096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials with excellent photocatalytic properties and unique piezoelectric response have attracted great attention. However, these characters are rare for traditional 2D structures. With an intrinsic electric field, the Janus 2D materials show great promise in photocatalytic and out-of-plane piezoelectric applications. Herein, we show that Janus In2X2X' (X and X' = S, Se, and Te) monolayers are desirable in the overall water splitting and piezoelectric devices. Comprehensive investigations reveal that the band gaps of these Janus monolayers are from 0.34 to 2.27 eV. With proper band edge positions, strong solar absorption, fast transfer and efficient separation of carriers, and high solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiencies (reaching 37.70%), eight members of them stand out. Besides, the electrons and holes have sufficient driving forces in the process of redox reaction. The piezoelectric response for in- and out-of-plane is superior for all monolayers. These compelling features make them suitable for photocatalysts, sensors, actuators, and energy conversion devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Superlattice and Microstructures, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Superlattice and Microstructures, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yixin Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Superlattice and Microstructures, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hongyu Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Superlattice and Microstructures, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jian-Bai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Superlattice and Microstructures, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai-Bin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Superlattice and Microstructures, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yu Y, Zhou J, Guo Z, Sun Z. Novel Two-Dimensional Janus MoSiGeN 4 and WSiGeN 4 as Highly Efficient Photocatalysts for Spontaneous Overall Water Splitting. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:28090-28097. [PMID: 34115478 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c04138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Searching for highly efficient and eco-friendly photocatalysts for water splitting is essential for renewable conversion and storage of inexhaustible solar energy but remains a great challenge. Herein, based on the new emerging two-dimensional (2D) material of MoSi2N4, we report novel Janus MoSiGeN4 and WSiGeN4 structures with excellent stabilities and great potentials in photocatalytic applications through first-principles calculations. Comprehensive studies show that MoSi2N4, MoSiGeN4, and WSiGeN4 exhibit semiconductor characteristics with an indirect gap, appropriate band gaps, and strong optical absorbance in the visible spectrum. Excitingly, by constructing Janus structures, an intrinsic electric field is realized that enhances the spatial separation and anisotropic migration of photoexcited electrons and holes. Further, this strategy can also alter the band alignment to provide an adequate photoexcited carrier driving force for water redox reactions. Moreover, the surface N vacancy can effectively lower the energy demand of both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) so that the catalytic process can be self-sustained under the potential provided by the photocatalyst alone. Particularly, the overall water splitting can proceed simultaneously and spontaneously on the surface of MoSiGeN4 and WSiGeN4 when pH is 3 or ≥8, respectively. These explorations offer new prospects for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering & Centre for Integrated Computational Materials Science, International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering & Centre for Integrated Computational Materials Science, International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhonglu Guo
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Boron Nitride Micro and Nano Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zhimei Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering & Centre for Integrated Computational Materials Science, International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang YF, Pan J, Du S. Geometric, electronic, and optical properties of MoS 2/WSSe van der Waals heterojunctions: a first-principles study. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:355705. [PMID: 34038884 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac0569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions constructed by vertical stacking two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides hold exciting promise in realizing future atomically thin electronic and optoelectronic devices. Recently, a Janus WSSe structure has been successfully synthesized by using chemical vapor deposition, selective epitaxy atomic replacement, and pulsed laser deposition methods. Herein, based on first-principles calculations, we introduce the structures and performances of MoS2/WSSe vdW heterojunctions with different interfaces and stacking modes. The vdW heterojunctions possess indirect band gaps for S-S interfaces, while direct band gaps for Se-S interfaces. Besides, the potential drop indicates an efficient separation of photogenerated charges. Interestingly, the opposite built-in electric fields formed in the vdW heterojunctions with a S-S interface and a Se-S interface suggest different charge transfer paths, which would motivate further theoretical and experimental investigations on charge transfer dynamics. Moreover, the electronic property is adjustable by applying external in-plane strains, accomplishing with indirect to direct bandgap transition and semiconductor to metal transition. The findings are helpful for the design of multi-functional high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices based on the MoS2/WSSe vdW heterojunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Zhang
- Institute of Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinbo Pan
- Institute of Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixuan Du
- Institute of Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Topological Quantum Computation, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ju L, Qin J, Shi L, Yang G, Zhang J, Sun L. Rolling the WSSe Bilayer into Double-Walled Nanotube for the Enhanced Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Performance. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11030705. [PMID: 33799663 PMCID: PMC8000809 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For the emerging Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) layered water-splitting photocatalysts, stacking the monolayers to form bilayers has been predicted to be an effective way to improve their photocatalytic performances. To achieve this, the stacking pattern plays an important role. In this work, by means of the density functional theory calculations, we comprehensively estimate energetical stability, light absorption and redox capacity of Janus WSSe bilayer with different stacking patterns. Unfortunately, the Janus WSSe bilayer with the most stable configuration recover the out-of-plane symmetry, which is not in favor of the photocatalytic reactions. However, rolling the Janus WSSe bilayer into double-walled nanotube could stabilize the appropriate stacking pattern with an enhanced instinct dipole moment. Moreover, the suitable band edge positions, high visible light absorbance, outstanding solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (up to 28.48%), and superior carrier separation promise the Janus WSSe double-walled nanotube the potential for the photocatalytic water-splitting application. Our studies not only predict an ideal water-splitting photocatalyst, but also propose an effective way to improve the photocatalytic performances of Janus layered materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ju
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China; (L.S.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.)
- School of Mechanical, Gardens Point Campus, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
- Correspondence: or (L.J.); or (L.S.)
| | - Jingzhou Qin
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China;
| | - Liran Shi
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China; (L.S.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Gui Yang
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China; (L.S.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China; (L.S.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Li Sun
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Correspondence: or (L.J.); or (L.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu T, Wang C, Yan X, Yang G, Schwingenschlögl U. Anisotropic Janus SiP 2 Monolayer as a Photocatalyst for Water Splitting. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:2464-2470. [PMID: 33661638 PMCID: PMC8041313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The design of materials meeting the rigorous requirements of photocatalytic water splitting is still a challenge. Anisotropic Janus 2D materials exhibit great potential due to outstandingly high photocatalytic efficiency. Unfortunately, these materials are scarce. By means of ab initio swarm-intelligence search calculations, we identify a SiP2 monolayer with Janus structure (i.e., out-of-plane asymmetry). The material turns out to be semiconducting with an indirect band gap of 2.39 eV enclosing the redox potentials of water. Notably, the oxygen and hydrogen evolution half reactions can happen simultaneously at the Si and P atoms, respectively, driven merely by the radiation-induced electrons and holes. The carrier mobility is found to be anisotropic and high, up to 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1, facilitating fast transport of the photogenerated carriers. The SiP2 monolayer shows remarkably strong optical absorption in the visible-to-ultraviolet range of the solar spectrum, ensuring efficient utilization of the solar energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yu
- State
Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and
Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province,
School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Centre
for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key
Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry
of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Cong Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and
Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province,
School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Centre
for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key
Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry
of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xu Yan
- State
Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and
Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province,
School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Guochun Yang
- State
Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and
Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province,
School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Centre
for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key
Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry
of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- E-mail:
| | - Udo Schwingenschlögl
- Physical
Science and Engineering Division (PSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dong Y, Wang S, Yu C, Li F, Gong J, Zhao J. First-principles explorations on P8 and N2 assembled nanowire and nanosheet. NANO EXPRESS 2021. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/abd899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
‘Bottom-up’ method is a powerful approach to design nanomaterials with desired properties. The bottle neck of being oxidized of phosphorous structures may be conquered by cluster assembling method. Here, we used P8 and N2 as assembling units to construct one-dimensional (1D) nanowire (NW) and two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet (NS), the stability, electronic and magnetic properties of these assembled nanomaterials are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The assembled 1D-P8N2 NW and 2D-P8N4 NS are identified to possess good stability, as demonstrated by their high cohesive energies, positive phonon dispersions, and structural integrity through molecular dynamics simulations at 300 and 500 K. Moreover, they also exhibit good anti-oxidization property. The 2D-P8N4 NS is a direct bandgap semiconductor with the HSE06 gap of 2.61 eV, and shows appropriate band-edge aliments and moderate carrier mobility for photocatalyzing water splitting. The 1D-P8N2 NW is an indirect bandgap semiconductor, and Mn doping could convert it into a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) with one Dirac cone in the spin-up channel, while the vdW-type sheet composed of Mn1@1D-P8N2 NWs is a ferromagnetic metal. Our theoretical study is helpful to design stable phosphorus-based nanomaterials with diverse properties and potential applications.
Collapse
|